December 10, 2024

Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo 

Our Port greeting into Santo Domingo on Sunday was one of our fanciest to date - dancers, musicians & artists performed, and they even had a free shuttle bus, for us to the walled colonial zone of town. 

Santo Domingo is the Capital of the Dominican Republic and is one of oldest Caribbean's oldest cities. Its walled, cobblestoned historic core, The Zona Colonial has buildings that date back to 1500s, including the Cathedral where I went to noon Mass. The Cathedral Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion was the first built in the New World. The inside of the Cathedral was stunning, but photos were not allowed, so my interiors photos below are from the internet. I also had to put a provided shawl on my bare shoulders before entering for Mass. The 50+ person choir was spectacular. I walked around the colonial streets before Mass. Everyone was so friendly.   

By Patricia Patrick December 29, 2025
Our Odyssey Crew is so talented and fun loving! They put together this hysterical video spoofing all the crazy things they observed this year catering to us Residents, in a special presentation of our 2026 Horoscopes! Watch all the way through to the bloopers at the end and hopefully you will see why we love them so much!
By Patricia Patrick December 29, 2025
Don't know if you have figured this out about me - I love to Sail! I constantly scour the ports we are visiting, in advance, trying to line up sailing trips. I have a core group of friends on the ship that feel similiarly and several also scout them out and we share info and invites! Today was the Catamaran Taboo operated by Viola Moorea, owner Leo. We had several back and forths calls & emails - but finally worked out a morning session, for a 1/2 day, for 8 people. The wind and rain were a little temperamental, but we had a great time skimming over the crystal clear turquoise water in the lagoons of Moorea! 
By Patricia Patrick December 29, 2025
We have 3 days on this lovely island of Moorea. Day 1 we just went to the beach for the afternoon and this Piggy Momma held court! She was eating baguettes and then needed to cool down in water. Walked right through sunbathers, across their blanket and then plopped right down unfazed.